Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Before ya'll start thinking I'm some kind of super freak who has nothing on her fridge...let me clarify. I use the SIDE now. Yes, I still have appointment reminders, featured kid's art of the week, note pad, magnetic pencil holder, and a fridge farm. Seriously people, I have four children. I would forget to feed them if I didn't have a running grocery list right in front of me. I would be lost without my post its and reminders. But at least it is contained to one small area, and it is not the first thing that greets people when they walk in the kitchen.

A few weeks ago I taught a class on organizing and decluttering to our women's group at church. In my preparations I found this quote that I instantly fell in love with.

"An uncluttered house looks cleaner than a clean house that's cluttered."

So true, so true. And definitely something I need to work on. I used to be such a neat freak, and completely ocd about every little thing. Yeah...not so much anymore. I have so many rooms and closets that need to be cleaned out. It can be a bit overwhelming at times. And I know you must be asking yourselves why they would ask ME to teach this class. Well, I'm asking myself the same thing. I've learned that sometimes the things we're asked to do are not always to benefit others, but more for ourselves. With that being said, I decided to let this quote be my constant reminder and my mantra.

Instead of doing all those things that really need to be done, I cleaned off the front of my fridge, except for this sign. The minute I did this, I felt a tiny weight lifted off. Such a small thing, but such a big impact. You gotta start somewhere, right?

Baby steps people...baby steps.

By the way, does anyone know of a special paint I could use for the handles on my fridge? They were yellow like that when we bought the house. What is up with that? So hideous.

This time of the year always makes me want to just banish all the clutter!!! Clutter that seems to be able to reproduce offspring of more clutter during the cold months! Flyday.net is a favorite site of mine. Her mantra is "You CAN'T organize clutter." So true.

For your fridge...My mom's did that too and Mr. Clean magic eraser worked for her.-Jess

Magic eraser...tried it many times...didn't work. I think maybe the fridge came that way. Maybe a defect cheapo clearance item? I might have to try the appliance paint. Any more ideas? I know someone out there has the answer I'm looking for!

I love that quote! I am baby steppin' too! My plan is after Spring Break when the kids are back in school, I will concentrate on one room a week and just declutter, purge and organize--slowly, but surely!

Random, I just took everything off of the front of my fridge today too! I love the difference it makes. I dont know about painting firdges, but, a magic eraser works miracles on my fridge.Or maybe the guys at a paint store would know. good luck!

Just catching up on some of my blog reading, and girl you have been posting your little heart out! I LOVE all the stuff for your craft fair, and it really stinks it got cancelled. You did a wonderful job and stuff that cute is gonna be gone in flash.

And about this post in particular, oh how I long for the days when all the dinosaur magnets will be gone from my fridge for a cleaner look. I may have to steal your mantra and put it around the house for inspiration.

It's so amazing how much better de-cluttering makes a house look. Why do I have such a hard time KEEPING it that way? I can de-clutter and the next day it's back to the way it was. Can you teach US a class on it please???

Keeping the front of my fridge clean feels so good. It does help that it is not magnetic since it is stainless. :) Are those handles just plastic? Just pop them off and spray paint it with that paint that you can spray your outdoor plastic furniture with. Or if they are metal they make spray paint for metal too.

Love the motto, love the sign for your fridge. I cringed b/c as I was reading your blog, I glanced at the front of my fridge, which is covered with about 467867 kiddie "fridge farm"/princess/Noah's ark/alphabet magnets and a whole bunch of other *stuff.* I desperately need to declutter. :)

Hi Amanda! Here are the instructions I used to make the silhouettes. It is super duper easy! If I can do it ...ANYONE can! Be sure to let me know when you make yours! Also, check out the DYI section of her blog. She has TONS of great ideas. http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2008/10/diyp21-making-old-fashioned-silhouettes.html

Awww, I am feeling the love, girl! ;) Almost fell off of my chair when I read your comment...FUNNY! Wish we loved down the street from each other-our kids could destroy our houses while we drink coffee and chat about crafty stuff and shopping. ;)

I love the front of my fridge empty, too! But, I have some stuff on the side still~ great minds think alike!I had a bit of catching up to do on your blog...loved the birdcage. Super cute and such a perfect thing to have out for spring time. Yea for that!Sorry your show was cancelled. Any word on when a makeup will be held maybe???Happy weekend ahead wishes hun~ Les